DONAL LENIHAN: Time for Munster to pair JJ and Keatley

While it’s a bit premature yet to suggest the good days are back for Munster, there is no question Rob Penney is making a significant impact on the continued development of his side.

With a home quarter-final in Europe secured and top billing in the Rabo Direct, Penney has proved his worth and is more than worthy of the contract extension that will surely come his way. He has facilitated a lot of change since his arrival, one of the most significant being the appointment of 24-year-old Peter O’Mahony to captain the side.

It was a no-brainer that the ferociously driven Cork man would ascend to that role at some stage in his career but to hand him the reins at a period when so much change was happening was both inspired and timely. O’Mahony is the epitome of what Munster rugby is all about and appointing him sent a clear message to the younger brigade in the squad that their time has come in terms of shaping the future of rugby in the province.